Signs You May Need Your Appendix Removed

Your trusted gastroenterologist can provide you with the care you need as soon as you start to experience the symptoms of appendicitis. Keep reading to learn how to detect signs and get help before matters worsen.

What is Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is a condition where the appendix starts to suddenly inflame and become infected. It usually happens because of a blockage in the digestive system, but it can occur for other reasons as well. The appendix becomes suddenly swollen as bacteria multiplies quickly inside of it. In order to save your appendix from bursting, and to save your life, you must go to the hospital and get it removed right away.

The procedure to remove your appendix is fairly straightforward, but it does require surgery and anesthesia. You will make a full recovery after your appendix is removed, and you should not have any adverse side effects, as it is possible to live a healthy life without your appendix.

Signs of Appendicitis

While appendicitis is not inevitable for everyone, a great majority of people still suffer from this sudden condition. It is common enough that you should be fully aware of the warning signs before you find yourself in an emergency situation. This condition can happen at any time, typically affecting 1 in 20 people between the ages of 10 and 40.

Some of the initial signs that you need your appendix removed can include:

• Sudden nausea that continues to get worse
• Vomiting and retching as a result of nausea
• Throbbing, stabbing, or repeated pain in the stomach
• Fever, chills, and clammy skin
• Constipation, diarrhea, or trouble going to the bathroom
• Lack of appetite and fatigue

Many people experience all of the symptoms at once, though it is also possible to notice just one or two of these oncoming symptoms. If you are starting to feel uncomfortable and cannot identify the source fo yoru sudden nausea or pain, you should play it safe and visit an emergency doctor right away.

How to Prevent Appendicitis

Since the condition comes on so abruptly, it can be nearly impossible to stop appendicitis from happening. However, there are several steps that you can take to keep your intestinal tract healthy and free of infection. You can reduce the risk of getting appendicitis by practicing healthy eating, making sure to incorporate a lot of green vegetables and high-fiber foods while getting rid of unhealthy sugars on a daily basis.

Appendix issues are almost always related to problems with the digestive system. As soon as your appendix gets infected, it will start to swell. The swelling will continue to grow until you are in excruciating pain, and it might burst if it is not removed in a timely manner. A burst appendix can push the infection into your bloodstream, which has fatal repercussions.

Keep Your Appendix Healthy and Avoid Danger with Regular Check-Ins

Some folks are more at risk for appendicitis than others, and the best way to stay on top of your health needs is to schedule regular appointments with your local appendicitis specialist. Dr. Tabib offers a number of innovative treatments to keep your appendix and digestive tract healthy while remaining on the lookout for any signs of appendicitis. Keep your health in good hands by scheduling regular check-ins with us starting today.

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When to See a Specialist for IBS

Managing your IBS is critical for your health and well-being. If you notice any of the following changes, it’s time to set up an appointment with a specialist about your IBS.

Extreme Change In Symptoms:

Sudden or extreme changes in your IBS symptoms are key. Common IBS symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, changes in bowel habits, and constipation. If any of these suddenly change or get worse, it’s time to check in with a specialist for support.

Ineffective Treatment:

Irritable bowel syndrome can change over time, and this is completely normal. However, your treatment plan should be effective and address your IBS symptoms. Every treatment plan can take some time to work, so it’s important to be patient. But, if your treatment plan isn’t working after three months, it’s time to see a specialist to modify it.

Severe Abdominal Pain:

Abdominal pain is a common symptom among those who have IBS. If your abdominal pain suddenly becomes severe, it can be a sign of a serious issue. Severe abdominal pain should be treated seriously, and you should seek medical treatment right away. In some cases, you may need to visit the emergency room. However, follow up with an IBS specialist just to be safe.

Severe Diarrhea:

Diarrhea is also a common symptom associated with IBS. If you have acute and severe diarrhea, it can be a sign of a more serious issue. Diarrhea occurs when you have loose or watery bowels, an increase in bowel movements, or both. It’s critical to take this seriously, as you can easily become dehydrated if the issue is not addressed right away.

Symptoms of Malabsorption:

Symptoms associated with malabsorption include chronic diarrhea, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, weight loss, and stool changes. This can impact other parts of your body and lead to serious health issues if not properly diagnosed and treated. With that, if you experience any of the symptoms associated with malabsorption, contact an IBS specialist right away.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

Symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease (“IBD”) include diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and pain, bloating, gas, incomplete bowel movements, sleep issues, and mucus in your stool. There is some crossover with symptoms of IBS and IBD, so it can be difficult to differentiate. However, a change in symptoms indicates that you should contact an IBS specialist right away.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer:

Symptoms associated with colorectal cancer include a change in bowel movements, bloody or dark stool, abdominal pain, weight loss, and anemia. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a hepatology specialist near you in Los Angeles right away. Early intervention is key to having a healthy prognosis and reducing your risk for other harmful health issues associated with IBS.

Managing Your IBS

If you are currently experiencing IBS symptoms, it’s important to talk with an IBS specialist right away, as they can provide you with a diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Additionally, if your current treatment plan isn’t working, getting checked out by a specialist can be beneficial. Early intervention and proper management can minimize the long-term impact of IBS on your daily activities and overall well-being.

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Risk Factors for GERD Symptoms

Roughly 32 million Americans experience GERD symptoms. Roughly 10% of the population experiences symptoms on a daily basis. There are a number of factors that can increase your risk for GERD including non-modifiable and modifiable factors.

Non-Modifiable Factors

Consider the following non-modifiable factors that can increase your risk for GERD.

• Age: The natural aging process comes with a number of bodily changes. These changes can increase your risk for GERD, including a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, reduced saliva production, and slow digestion. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have other health conditions that can contribute to GERD and may be taking medications that increase the risk.
• Sex: Men are more likely than women to develop the condition. Men tend to have larger abdominal cavities which increases the pressure on the stomach. This pressure can contribute to the development of GERD. While the research is preliminary, hormonal differences between men and women have also been found to increase the risk of the condition for men.
• Genetics: Evidence suggests that genetics can play a role in whether you develop GERD. If you have a close family with the condition, your risk of developing the condition is higher.

Modifiable Factors

Consider the following modifiable factors that can increase your risk for GERD.

• Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle choices can increase your risk for the condition. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and certain physical activities can make GERD more likely. Smoking weakens the esophagus which can lead to GERD. Additionally, alcohol consumption can increase your risk for acid reflux which can lead to GERD. While regular exercise is important, certain exercises can increase your risk for GERD, including high-impact activities or exercises that require you to bend or increase pressure on your stomach.
• Diet: Your diet plays a role in your risk for GERD. This is because certain foods can trigger the condition, including spicy or acidic foods. In addition to the type of foods you eat, when and how much you eat can also play a role. Eating large meals and late at night are two key factors.
• Weight: If you are overweight or obese, you are at an increased risk for GERD. This is because excess weight can put extra pressure on your stomach which can ultimately lead to GERD.

Treatment for GERD

GERD can be an uncomfortable condition as it comes with a number of unwanted symptoms. Chest pain, morning hoarseness, trouble swallowing, dry cough, bad breath, and sensations of food being stuck in your throat are common symptoms. In addition to the unwanted symptoms, GERD can cause serious health issues if not addressed. If left untreated, GERD can lead to esophagitis, dental issues, respiratory issues, and sleep disturbances. It’s important to seek treatment from a hepatology specialist right away.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment varies from patient to patient and depends on the severity of the condition. In many cases, under the guidance of a medical professional, lifestyle modifications can improve the condition. Lifestyle changes may also be accompanied by certain medications that can be helpful in managing the condition. If these approaches do not improve the condition, surgical intervention may be necessary. However, this is after less invasive options have been exhausted. If you suffer from the symptoms associated with GERD, it’s important to talk with a medical professional right away.

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Risk Factors for Crohn Disease

There are a number of factors that can increase your risk for Crohn’s disease. Consider the following and talk with a gastroenterologist about how to reduce your risk for the condition.

Age:

While the condition can occur at any age, younger people are more likely to develop the condition. In fact, most people who develop Crohn’s disease are diagnosed before the age of 30. If you have any of the symptoms of the condition, it’s important to seek treatment from a Los Angeles gastroenterology specialist right away.

Ethnicity:

The condition can impact those of any ethnicity, but certain groups are at a higher risk. Those who are white, especially those from Eastern Europe or of Jewish descent are at a higher risk for developing Crohn’s disease. However, the condition is increasing among Black people living in the United States and United Kingdom, in addition to those of Middle Eastern descent who have immigrated to the United States.

Family History:

Genetics play a major role when it comes to your risk level for Crohn’s disease. In fact, nearly 20% of people with the disease also have a family member who has it as well. If you have a close relative with the condition, you are at an increased risk for Crohn’s disease.

Smoking:

If you smoke it can substantially increase your risk for the disease. Smoking is not good for your overall health so it’s important to stop. This is because smoking is the most important controllable factor in developing Crohn’s disease. If you do develop it, being a smoker can also lead to an increased risk for surgery and more severe symptoms of the disease.

NSAIDs:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (“NSAIDs”) can lead to bowel inflammation. This can make your Crohn’s disease much worse. While NSAIDs do not cause the disease, they can cause more complications. This includes over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

The disease can impact any part of your small or large intestines. This means that it can be just a portion, or your entire small and large intestines. The signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary from person to person. Consider the symptoms of the disease and contact a medical professional right away if you experience one or more of the following.

• Diarrhea, abdominal pain, or cramping
• Blood in your stool
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite and weight loss
• Mouth sores
• Pain or leakage near or around your anus
• Inflammation
• Kidney stones

Crohn’s Disease Treatment

Crohn’s disease is a serious condition and requires medical intervention. You should seek treatment if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms. Untreated Crohn’s can lead to more harmful health issues. A Crohn’s disease treatment specialist can help diagnose the disease and provide you with a treatment plan based on your unique needs. Some patients have mild symptoms, while others are more severe. Additionally, sometimes the symptoms can appear suddenly, while in other patients it’s more gradual. Due to the complexity of the condition, it’s important to work with a skilled and experienced medical provider.

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Causes of a Ruptured Appendix

A ruptured appendix is caused by appendicitis. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed. Appendicitis occurs when the opening of the appendix that transitions into the large intestine is blocked. The blockage leads to the buildup of bacteria which can cause a serious infection. The cause of the blockage can be due to a growth or tumor in the appendix, bacteria, viruses, parasites, stool buildup, or even a foreign object. Inflammatory bowel disease is also another possible cause of appendicitis. While the exact cause of appendicitis is not completely understood, there are a number of factors that can place you at a higher risk for the condition.

Risk Factors for Appendicitis

There are a number of factors that can increase your risk for appendicitis.

• Age: While people of all ages can get appendicitis, it is most common in children and young adults. In fact, those between 10 and 30 years old are at the highest risk for the condition.
• Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for appendicitis as it can cause changes in your abdominal cavity that can impact your appendix.
• Genetics: Similar to many medical conditions, a family history of appendicitis can increase your risk for the condition. Talk with your close family about their medical history to see how many people in your family have been impacted by the medical condition.
• Diet: People with unhealthy diets that are low in fiber and high in processed foods can be problematic for a variety of health reasons, including the risk for appendicitis.
• History of UTIs: Urinary tract infections (“UTIs’) increase your risk for the condition as they can cause inflammation in the pelvic area. This can easily spread to your appendix which can cause an infection that can lead to appendicitis.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosis: An inflammatory bowel disease (“IBD”) diagnosis can increase inflammation in your abdomen. This can weaken the walls of your appendix and potentially lead to an infection and appendicitis.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

Delaying treatment is the biggest risk factor when it comes to a ruptured appendix. Waiting to get medical attention can increase the risk of rupture. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact a medical professional right away.

• Abdominal pain that ultimately settles in your lower right abdomen
• Abdominal pain that increases when you move
• Tenderness when you put pressure on your abdomen
• An inability to pass gas
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Bloated or swollen abdomen
• Constipation or diarrhea

While these are common symptoms, many patients have unusual symptoms. It’s important to look out for anything out of the ordinary especially if it is a young child or older person that is not feeling well. In babies and young children, abdominal pain can impact their entire stomach. They often also experience a loss of appetite and a fever. However, older people often have pain that is less severe and don’t experience as much tenderness. The most important thing is to seek medical attention for an appendicitis specialist in Los Angeles right away.

Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles

If you experience any of the symptoms related to appendicitis, seek treatment from a gastroenterologist in Los Angeles right away. They can quickly diagnose your appendicitis and provide effective treatment to keep you in good health. Prompt treatment is necessary to avoid the serious health risks associated with the condition.

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